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Beijing, China, August 19, 2008 - World No. 1 Brazil continued its unbeaten run in the Beijing Games, needing only 73 minutes to blitz Japan in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The reward will be a semi-final clash against either host China or Russia on Thursday. Japan, having played with good defence but underperforming in attack since the preliminaries, was in a different league compared to a mightier Brazilian team, losing the first set 25-12.

The Japanese only racked up six points in attacking to 13 from Brazil, and one service point to six of the Brazilian team.

The Japanese women, however, raised their game in the second set, scoring 14 winners, but still six behind the Brazilian, who looked in a class of their own, with each player except for the libero scoring from every corner on the court.

After dropping the second set 25-20, Japan were still keeping a high momentum and, on the back of their strong defence, the team led for the first time in the match when they were up 9-8 in the third set.

But it turned out to be a flash in the pan as the Brazilian team found their range quickly and used an 8-3 run for a comfortable 16-12 lead at the second technical timeout.

On the resumption, the Japanese were in serious trouble, watching their opponents reel off the next five points for a 21-12 cushion.

After a sizzling strike from Fabiana Claudino, Brazil closed out the match 25-16. (Xinhua)